Hinged cage-type knee brace

Abstract

A knee brace includes a cage-type frame formed as a rigid unit and having upper lateral and medial uprights, lower lateral and medial uprights, and a generally U-shaped fixed posterior brace that extends behind the knee. The pairs of upper and lower uprights extend along upper and lower lateral and medial sides of the upper and lower leg, respectively, above and below the knee joint. Long lateral and medial pivot arms are hinged to the upper lateral and medial uprights, respectively, and these pivot arms hold upper and intermediate flexible straps releasably securing the upper portion of the brace to the thigh well above the knee joint. A flexible lower strap affixed to the lower uprights releasably secures the lower portion of the brace to the patient's lower leg. A flexible U-shaped posterior strap affixed adjacent the knee joint extends behind the knee joint to controllably restrict hyperextension. The hinged connection of each pivot arm to its corresponding upright allows the upper portion of the brace with its upper and intermediate straps to be releasably secured to the thigh so that the upper portion of the brace rotates with a normal walking gait. Rotational stops at the lateral and medial pivot joints limit rotation to restrict hyperextension. These pivot joints include noise-free bushings. The pivot joints are spaced a short distance above the knee joint axis to improve cosmetics. The hinged portions of the brace functionally distribute thigh forces as well as avoiding slippage of the brace during use.